Branson Takes You Flying Underwater

Sir Richard Branson has offered to fly us to space. Now the billionaire tour agent is offering to fly us to the other great frontier, the ocean depths. Branson’s Virgin Group will be offering rides in the winged submarine called the Necker Nymph at his exclusive private island.

For now rides are limited to relatively shallow depths with an open cockpit experience in the submarine. The vehicle offers open views as you ‘fly’ through the ocean. Wings on the carbon fiber submarine operate in much the same way as wings on an airplane allowing it to dive, turn and rise again to the surface. The 15 foot submarine is built by Hawkes Ocean Technologies and cost $660,000 to build. It is flown with a joystick and can even perform loops under water.

The $113,000 price tag for a week of submarine cruising does mean the experience will be limited to those with larger bank accounts. But it does include a stay at Branson’s private Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands. Though Virgin Galactic charges only $87,000 more for a ride to space. Decisions, decisions…

Branson hopes to expand his submarine offerings with plans for a pressurized sub in the near future. A deep sea sub is in the works capable of diving down to 35,000 feet beneath the surface and Branson hopes to be able to explore places such as the Mariana Trench, the ocean’s deepest point. Cruising the ocean depths seems like a more worthy competitor to a ride into space.

Here’s The Thing With Ad Blockers

We get it: Ads aren’t what you’re here for. But ads help us keep the lights on. So, add us to your ad blocker’s whitelist or pay $1 per week for an ad-free version of WIRED. Either way, you are supporting our journalism. We’d really appreciate it.